Wakra Hospital hosts breast cancer awareness month

Al Wakra Hospital (AWH) last week held a number of events to raise awareness on the importance of early detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of breast cancer.
This comes in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed around the world in October, according to a press statement from Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
The activities, held from October 2-6, were aimed at “reaching as wide an audience as possible”. They included a range of indoor and outdoor activities, such as lectures, workshops and interactive sessions for both the public and staff.
The activities aimed to provide people with the knowledge and tools needed for them to take charge of their health and to also increase awareness of the importance of early detection in saving lives.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in Qatar. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. According to the World Health Organisation, every 19 seconds someone in the world is diagnosed with breast cancer.
Dr Mohamed Alloub, senior consultant at AWH: said, “Breast Cancer Awareness Month is one of the most important events in the HMC calendar.
The theme this year is ‘Early Detection Saves Lives’ as it is scientifically proven that early detection leads to greatly improved patient outcomes. As such, we encourage women to be breast aware and to bring any changes in their breasts to the attention of their doctor as soon as they occur.”
The activities organised for the event included educational stands at the main entrance of the hospital, providing patients and their families with an opportunity to network with staff and find out about the work of the breast cancer team.
Attendees also had a chance to speak to health leaders, doctors and nurses to get their advice on the importance of early detection and get information about different topics related to breast cancer. Educational material, such as leaflets and brochures, was also available for the public with more information about cancer care and breast cancer-related issues.
Clinicians, surgeons, advanced clinical nurses and healthcare professionals from Al Wakra Hospital delivered health education lectures to teach the general public and AWH visitors about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, improve their knowledge of the disease and broaden their understanding of the critical role of early detection in reducing risk factors and improving a woman’s chance of survival.
Dr Alloub said, “It is important that we take advantage of the opportunity to hold such interactive meetings with our patients; our mission is to empower women by providing help and inspiring hope in those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services.”
Similar activities are planned across other HMC’s hospitals throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month and will involve interactions and comprehensive discussions with various audiences.